STAFF at Hindhead care home Shannon Court teamed up with animal experts at ZooLab to bring some unexpected visitors to meet with residents.

The ZooLab team brought with them an array of animals including a lizard, rat, guinea pigs, African snail and a snake for residents to handle and spend time with.

Activities co-ordinator Jackie Tumber said: “ZooLab visits the residents at Shannon Court three times a year, where residents are able to meet with different animals, learn some interesting facts about them and how to care for them.

“Animal therapy can have a really powerful impact in supporting our residents’ well-being.

“We’re also always looking for opportunities to work with the wider community to build friendships and support our residents to get involved in different activities.”

ZooLab is one of the leading animal handing experience companies, established 20 years ago.

It has a national network of rangers, as well as an animal team which provides workshops and training sessions in the local community including schools, companies, hospice settings and care homes.